Hatton 'surprised' by gong
Unbeaten boxer Ricky 'Hit Man' Hatton admitted he was completely taken aback after being awarded an MBE.
The Manchester fighter became a two-weight world champion with a points win over Luis Collazo in Boston after stepping up to welterweight.
The 28-year-old, who is due to challenge for his old IBF light-welterweight title against Juan Urango in Las Vegas on January 20, said: "It came as a great surprise. When I first laced on the gloves I never thought I would become a world champion, let alone receive an MBE from the Queen."
He added: "It is the sort of thing you never think will happen to you in your wildest dreams, and it is one of the greatest achievements of my life.
"I am proud of the fact I have been awarded the MBE for services to sport because as far as I am concerned it is just as important to be a world champion outside the ring, supporting local projects and charities, as it is inside the ring.
"I have never met the Queen and to be honest there will be a few sweaty palms that day. It will certainly be more scary having the Queen standing in front of me than Kostya Tszyu (whom Hatton beat to win the world title in 2005).
"It will be a great day for myself and my family."
